Katie Marquette is the producer for a number of local programs for 88.1, WYPR, including Future City and Life in the Balance. She hosts and produces an original podcast called The Noir and Bizarre, a show that explores strange and eerie history. Additionally, she works as a production assistant for the award-winning podcast, Out of the Blocks.

Chip Dizard, Founder and Lead Cinematographer, Chip Dizard Weddings

Chip holds a degree in Communication and Media Production from Coppin State University and has taught media production, photography, and videography courses at the high school and college levels. For eight years, he served as the General Manager of Baltimore City Public Schools Education Channel 77 and is also a former web designer for local nonprofit organizations in the Washington, D.C. area.

Jacob is the CEO of Catalyte, a software engineering services company that uses AI to identify anyone with the aptitude, regardless of background, to become a software developer. His time leading Catalyte is dedicated to reawakening the American dream while also fulfilling the technology industry’s biggest challenge: finding the right talent to scale digital innovation. Jacob is a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum and was named as one of the world’s Top 12 CEOs by Chief Executive Magazine.

West has over 250 patents to his name. He is best known for his work at Bell Labs and his invention of the electret microphone. Ninety percent of microphones produced annually are his, and can be found in everyday items such as your cell phone. West was inducted into The National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1999 for the invention of the electret microphone. He is currently working with a local startup, Sonavi Labs, on developing a life- changing smart digital stethoscope with machine-learning algorithms to diagnose respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Mike Gill, Secretary of State, Maryland Department of Commerce

Secretary Mike Gill is a business leader with four decades of experience as an entrepreneur, a technology executive, an investment banker, and a public servant. ​He was tapped by Governor Larry Hogan to lead the Maryland Department of Commerce (formerly the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development)​ in January 2015. Prior to his appointment, Mike Gill led Evergreen Advisors, an investment bank, as chairman and principal. Previously, Gill founded Hoyt Capital, an investment and advisory firm serving start​ups and growth companies.

Matt Stanton has over 20 years of experience in directing public policy for elected officials, non-profit organizations and Fortune 500 companies. Matt is currently Vice President, Global Public Policy for Under Armour. In this role he leads the formation and implementation of Under Armour public policy strategy at the local, state, federal and international levels.

Gopal is the CEO of Rendia, a Baltimore company that creates visual patient education software to help doctors and patients communicate with each other. Prior to joining Rendia (formerly Eyemaginations), Gopal worked at a boutique investment bank. She earned an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Finance from the University of Virginia. Smitha was once misdiagnosed with juvenile glaucoma and sent home with only an outdated pamphlet. That frightening experience has made her passionate about taking a patient-centered approach to healthcare, and she believes that technology-driven communication is a key element in every medical practice.

Roth is the Chief Customer Experience Officer at Yet Analytics, a Baltimore based company that provides tools and solutions used to improve learning and talent development. Roth is interested in the development and design of connected learning environments that leverage data analytics and blended learning. She is an active member and former VP of Community Impact for the Junior League of Baltimore, a member of the SXSWedu Advisory Board and co-founder of EdTechWomen.

Evan Lutz, CEO & Cofounder, Hungry Harvest

Evan Lutz is a social entrepreneur who is passionate about food justice, entrepreneurship and the Baltimore Ravens. He’s a frequent guest on NPR, the Washington Post, and Baltimore news stations. He’s been recognized in Forbes 30 under 30 in the social entrepreneurship category and Montgomery County Emerging Business of the Year Award, and previously won by Honest Tea, Sweet Green, and Comcast. He was also featured on ABC’s Shark Tank, where he made a deal with Robert Herjavec.